Mechanical Engineering (MEC)

Mechanical engineering is one of the core disciplines of engineering and it encompasses a large number of subdisciplines that are at the heart of both traditional and leading edge technologies. It is a broad profession concerned with activities such as energy conversion, power generation, design, and manufacturing. The theoretical and technical bases of knowledge include the pure sciences, mathematics, and the engineering sciences, especially the mechanics of solids and fluids, thermo­dynamics, and kinematics. Mechanical engineering requires aptitude and interest in the physical sciences and the language of mathematics, and the ability to apply these to societal needs. The Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The educational objectives of the undergraduate mechanical engineering program at Stony Brook University recognize that students have a variety of career objectives and a choice of industrial environments in which to pursue them. While the majority of our graduates are immediately employed in industry, a significant percentage pursues graduate study. Most of the students entering graduate schools continue with mechanical engineering studies. However, some go to law, business, and medical schools. The mechanical engineering curriculum provides students with a core education in mathematics and the physical sciences along with a broad sequence of courses covering thermal processes and fluid mechanics, mechanical design, solid mechanics, and the dynamic behavior and control of mechanical systems. Students also take courses that introduce them to the use of advanced computational methods for engineering design and analysis as well as data processing and analysis. A series of laboratory courses introduces them to sensors and electronics, modern instrumentation and experimental techniques used in engineering for tasks ranging from product design, evaluation, and testing to re­search. In addition, students can select electives to provide either higher level academic training in preparation for graduate school or a broader exposure to subjects related to engineering practice to enhance their preparation for a job after graduation.

Program Educational Objectives

The educational objectives of the mechanical engineering program are to prepare our graduates to:

1. Prepare graduates for performing their job duties to meet the expectations of employers.

2. Prepare qualified graduates for advanced studies, if desired.

Student Outcomes

The students will demonstrate the following:

(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability(d) an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility(g) an ability to communicate effectively(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.(l) an ability to apply the principles of mathematics through multivariate calculus and differential equations,(m) an ability to model, analyze, design and realize physical systems, components, or processes.(n) an ability to work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems areas.

Please note that the outcomes (a) through (k) are exactly ABET student outcomes for ALL engineering programs; while outcomes (l),(m),(n) are additional student outcomes we have adopted specific to our program.